And he was transfigured before them

SUNDAY 8 MARCH (Mt 17,1-9)

Jesus knows that today his disciples understand little, very little of his mystery. But he will have to say it all, manifest it all and live it all before his disciples. Then, after his death on the cross, he will first open their minds to understand how much of him is written in the Prophets, in the Law and in the Psalms, then he will infuse them with the Holy Spirit and it will be He who always reminds, with purity of truth and doctrine, science and wisdom, what the disciples saw with their eyes and listened with their ears. Today Peter is on the mountain. He understands little of what he has seen. But he saw. Then the Holy Spirit descended upon him. Here is what he teaches in the Holy Spirit of this day: “We did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we had been eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received honor and glory from God the Father when that unique declaration came to him from the majestic glory, “This is my Son, my beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven while we were with him on the holy mountain. Moreover, we possess the prophetic message that is altogether reliable. You will do well to be attentive to it, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. Know this first of all, that there is no prophecy of scripture that is a matter of personal interpretation, for no prophecy ever came through human will; but rather human beings moved by the holy Spirit spoke under the influence of God” (2Pt 1,16-21). Who is the Christian then? He is the body of Christ, called to live all his ministry, guided and moved by the Spirit, according to his understanding of science, wisdom, intelligence and fortitude, before every other man. Today he will show who Christ is through the fulfillment of his mystery. Then it will be the Spirit, when He wills it, to give to those who have seen the mystery of Christ fulfilled in the Christian, intelligence, knowledge, wisdom and comprehension, so that they can understand and welcome and become converted to the mystery and through the sacrament of baptism they too become mystery of Christ. If the Christian does not live and does not say his mystery, the Holy Spirit might do nothing and no other person might be inserted into the body of Christ, making him the body of Christ.

After six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them; his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, conversing with him. Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud cast a shadow over them, then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” When the disciples heard this, they fell prostrate and were very much afraid. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and do not be afraid.” And when the disciples raised their eyes, they saw no one else but Jesus alone. As they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, “Do not tell the vision to anyone until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”

On the mountain, Christ reveals to his disciples that he is not only sent by God, but that he himself is God. If he is God, his Word is always the Word of God, never might it be man’s word, without any truth in it. Peter should already understand that his word is of man, therefore without truth. That of Christ is the Word of all truth. The testimony of the Law and the Prophets is added to this revelation of true divinity. Moses and Elijah attest that what Jesus is saying is truly in conformity with what God has written for prophecy for Him. But the Father from heaven also makes his voice heard in favour of Christ who is his Beloved Son. Jesus must be heard in every one of his Words. The Word of Jesus is the Word of the Father. Very pure word of truth. Death by crucifixion is the essence of the mission of Lord Jesus. Since it is essence, He must necessarily pass through this way. If he does not pass, his mission is a real failure. He gives no salvation. The world remains in its sin. The announcement of the Gospel is the essence of the mission of the Church. If the Church does not announce the Gospel and does not invite to conversion, making disciples, her work is in vain.

Mother of God, Angels and Saints, do not allow our mission to be pure vanity.